PC won't play DVD

[TWISTER]

Previously, posted that dvd drive might be shot.....now not sure. When I try to play a dvd using WMP, the message states to lower the resolution and color settings. When I right click on the drive in My Computer and select 'Play' a message says "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel." What does this mean and what do I do to correct the problem? The computer is a Dell 4400, over 3 years old, with Nvidia Riva TNT 2 Model 64 video card(?). Display Adapter is 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Ultra. Is this inadequate for playing dvd? What should I upgrade to for display/video? I appreciate the help.

[anonymez]

its very likely a graphics card issue

make sure you have the latest directx and latest graphics card drivers.

then download 'media player classic', and try playing a dvd...

Nvidia Riva TNT 2 Model 64 video card(?). Display Adapter is 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Ultra

well, which is it? you can only use one!

[Chewy]

Which is the pci and which is agp? The TNT2 if it's agp is the one I would go with.

[TWISTER]

Sorry guys, I really don't know what I'm talking about let alone what you are talking about. How do I choose one over the other?

@Chewy
Not up on the acronyms and abbreviations. My post count is about equal to my computer IQ! Sorry.

Hey, I'm trying. It's never too late to learn, right?

[Chewy]

You are asking which video card to use?
Well agp and pci are the 2 older types, agp is better than pci.
the TNT vid card has a better chipset(in my opinion)
you have to consider how much memory each card has(MB figure)
You need to specify details about the cards.
And then there's the question of "are we talking about on board video"?

[TWISTER]

Found the packing slip and it has the 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Ultra 4x AGP graphics card installed.

BIOS version: 001.001.003.003
BIOS p/n: 113-73108-101
BIOS date: 2001/05/29

Memory: SDR SGRAM 1:1 / SDRAM

What is the minimum amount of memory one should have? I don't know what you mean by "on board video". Sorry. I appreciate you helping me and being patient. Thanks.

[Chewy]

Next step, vid is ok, is your drive a dvd-rom drive?
Yes? Then you need a special player to play movie dvd's.
WMP will play them but only with a special plugin(little sub-program).
Most people download a custom WMP and install powerdvd or windvd
that gives them the plugin. This is not my field, I prefer to fix droids.
System memory is not as important with playing dvd's as the speed
of the processor(cpu).

[TWISTER]

@anonymez

Installed media player classic. DVD played great! Do you recommend QuickTime or Quick Time Alternative to complement? Thanks!

@chewy

DVD-ROM drive? OK...Sony DW-Q30A=LiteOn SHW1635S. CPU = Pentium4 @1.6Ghz.

[Chewy]

I would get a better vid card, they are cheap. Windows xp minimum is 16 megs video memory, ati rage is a lame chipset, just look for a 4x agp with 32 or 64 megs of ram, nvidia or ati is fine, 30-40$.
I prefer to match components.

[anonymez]

twister, glad we could help

i definitely recommend qucktime alternative...

[TWISTER]

Would this be okay?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1179550&Sku=P450-8536

[Chewy]

Would this be okay?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&Sku=P450-8536

little too good, but could be reused when you retire the P4, and might create
power/heat issues.

safer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130198

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814142021

it's all about balance in the force

[TWISTER]

Thanks for the advice and recommendations. Ordered the NEC ND3550, the video card and the verbatim -R blanks. Looking forward to another challenge!
Couldn't have done it without you guys.

[Chewy]

"Looking forward to another challenge!"
well, firmwares are usually out of date by the time you get
the burner, hehehe!

[TWISTER]

HI guys,

Ready? Installed NEC ND-3550A, new video card. Haven't tried to burn a DVD yet. First thing I did was to put in Lord of the Rings "official version" to check it out. No Sound! I tried another one....no sound. I put in a CD....plays fine, sounds great. Remember, I installed Media Player Classic and QuickTime Alternative. It seems that before I installed QTA, dvds were playing fine, including sound. Can you think of anything I need to check? I hope so, I need a little boost here. Thanks.